The Chancellor delivered a review of spending at a time when, as he put it, the health emergency is not over and the economic emergency has only just begun.
He said that GDP will grow by 5.5% next year, and 6.6% in 2022, with a return to pre pandemic levels at the end of 2022 – good news but big challenges lie ahead
Although HMG clearly feel that recovery is on the horizon as a result of the support being offered and as hope of vaccine rollout increase, challenges lie ahead.
These have not been widely picked up yet, but will bring significant risks, and are highly likely to impact negatively on businesses and local economies.
Depending on progress, UKPLC could be heading for a perfect storm starting in Q1 2021 as businesses may face a 5 point challenge:
This may all place a huge strain on UKPLC and the impact is at this stage hard to predict.
Economic development professionals will need to be aware of the issues involved for business.
Some Local Authorities have worked hard to get close to their local business community, so understand the commercial realities they deal with – others have more to do.
The need for ongoing support and the storm looming in 2021 provide the perfect platform to build bridges with business.
There are many issues involved, and careful thought needs to be given to relative priorities and resource. All options should be considered.
Relationships with business will be central to understanding and managing local economic development in 2021. Proactive contact with business will be critical – for example:
Economic development professionals who liaise with local employers may identify opportunities:
However, there may generally be a lack of capacity to do this, so outside expert resource may be useful to add capacity, knowledge, skill experience and expertise. This shares the workload and brings in fresh thinking…both of which may possibly be helpful.
Deyton Bell specialise in economic development and business support issues and have provided associated services to over 40 different LEPs and Local Authorities in recent years.
We believe there is a need for urgent action to address the 5 point challenge business will face.
To discuss any aspect, please contact Neil Darwin, Director and Chief Economist
via: neildarwin@deytonbell.com or on 07860 – 663234.
Alternatively, you can of course also contact any of our other Directors as follows:
Steve McAteer
stevemcateer@deytonbell.com
07747 – 468733
Pat Smith
patsmith@deytonbell.com
07990 – 587597
Chris Parkhouse
chrisparkhouse@deytonbell.com
07730 – 718218
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